The SNP has today called on the UK Government to rethink its plans to invest in a new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point following reports that the decision to proceed with the project has been delayed.

The UK Government’s commitment to a new nuclear plant, expected to cost up to £24 billion, comes at the same time as they are taking forward plans to axe subsidies for onshore wind projects.

Commenting SNP MSP Chic Brodie said:

“The UK Government’s plans for a new nuclear power station have been a billion-pound white elephant from the start but these latest revelations show that they have descended into farce.

“Despite nuclear energy being less efficient and more costly than wind power, the UK Government continues to pursue this folly while slashing support for onshore wind. “The decision to cut support for onshore wind could cost £3 billion in new investment and put more than 5,000 jobs at risk in Scotland.

“The Tory government’s ideological obsession with nuclear will be costly for taxpayers and businesses in Scotland – it’s about time they saw sense and rethink their energy policy which is not delivering for consumers or energy security. ”